(Originally submitted as an article
by Greg Siller for Hockey Player Magazine - www.hockeyplayer.com)

A two-on-one is an exciting part of any hockey game. In fact,
it is one of the cornerstones of hockey. An offensive team strategy should be
built around creating this situation and then taking advantage of it.
Defensively, a team should react to this situation by utilizing positioning and
patience.

On The Attacking Side

From
a forwards’ perspective, the two-on-one should be designed to draw the defender
out of position. This will create an opportunity to pass the puck across the
front of the net to the open forward and catch the goaltender out of position;
followed by a quick shot on (and hopefully in the) net. The non puck-carrying
player needs to read the puck carriers’ speed and direction and react by
getting open, as shown in Figure 1. One of the main reasons that this type of
attack fails is due to poor positioning of one or both attackers as they
approach the defender, giving the defender a chance to cover both attackers.
The attackers should always approach a two-on-one in such a way as to force the
defender into making a move that will place the non-puck carrier in an open
position from which he can receive a pass and quickly shoot.

If the passing option is not
available, a shot on net is a must. Two ways in which to accomplish this are to
have the puck carrier put on a burst of speed toward the net, try to cut across
the crease, and shoot. The second method, as shown in Figure 2, is to cut
across the slot in front of the defender, and execute a screen shot. In both
cases, your partner should be looking for any rebounds to put on net.

On The Defending Side

A
two-on-one scenario is usually defined as two attackers against one defender;
although this is not entirely true. The defensive team must not only rely on
the one obvious defender, but also must utilize the goaltender to create a
virtual two-on-two scenario. Ensuring that the goaltender is involved and that
both the defender and the goaltender are communicating will do a lot toward neutralizing
a two-on-one.

A good rule-of-thumb when
playing a two-on-one is to have the goaltender play-the-shooter and the
defenseman play-the-pass (by blocking the passing lane as shown in Figure 3).
This is because a quick pass across the slot would not allow the goaltender
enough time to slide across the crease to cover the open net; while an outside
shot from the puck carrier can be effectively blocked by the goaltender. The
defenseman must be patient and try and force the puck carrier to hold onto the puck
until he is out of position and has to take a low percentage shot out of
desperation. If the puck carrier tries to move around the defenseman to cut
toward the net, the defenseman must then focus on the puck carrier to ensure
that he is blocked from skating across the front of the net and does not get a
quality shot.

The last thing both the
goaltender and defenseman must do is to contain any rebounds. Make sure that any
rebounds are covered up or can be cleared if the puck carrier shoots. If you
gain control of the puck, begin a counter-attack, clear the puck out of the
defensive zone, or freeze it along the boards if nothing else works.
Communicate with your goaltender so there is no confusion about loose pucks or
possible rebounds.

Take time to practice and
perfect the many options associated with a two-on-one scenario and you will
take your game to the next level.

Greg Siller, founder of Pro Learning Systems (www.ProLearning.com), has put his 25
years of ice and roller hockey experience into authoring several hockey
articles as well as two highly acclaimed hockey books;